Dark neighbourhoods in northern Quito during a national blackout in Ecuador in January 2009, which affected 70% of the country. Hydroelectric plants on which it depends for energy are facing low water levels.Ecuador on Wednesday ordered all public and private workers to stay home for two days as critically low water levels at hydroelectric plants sparked a major power crisis in the country.
A government statement on Wednesday said the reservoir serving the country's Mazar hydroelectric dam stood completely empty, while the nearby Paute dam had storage levels of four percent. According to the government statement, a probe showed"indications that high-level officials," including Arrobo, had"intentionally hidden information crucial to the functioning of the national energy system."
Ecuador's power crisis coincides with neighboring Colombia halting exports of electricity to the country, as its own hydropower plants stand at near-critical levels due to a severe dry spell.The energy crisis comes just days before a referendum on Sunday in which voters will decide whether or not to greenlight tougher measures against organized crime in a country gripped by bloody gang wars.
That came after a spasm of violence sparked by the prison escape of a major druglord, who has yet to be recaptured.
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